definition
strict definition
length
Measurements of horizontal, diagonal, or travel distances between two defined extreme points.
Lengths are measurements between the extreme points of any pathway, object, or defined part of an object. They are usually taken in a straight line parallel to the mean surface of the earth, except when measuring a diagonal line or the length of a travel route. These include measurements under the names of length, width, span, and similar headings.
Lengths are measured in the same units as height, depth, thickness, and elevation.
A route length follows the defined path, so a curved route can exceed the straight separation of its endpoints. A width or span uses its own stated direction and endpoints within the same family of length units.
More specific definitions
23 sub-definitions-
architectural length
The distance from the front entrance of a structure through to the farthest opposite side at the base. -
architectural width
The distance from side to side of a structure at its base, as measured when facing the main entrance. -
autowalk length (max)
The rider's travel distance along the center of the longest continuous moving walkway installed in a structure. -
autowalk step width
The width across an autowalk step or belt, measured perpendicular to its direction of motion. -
average room depth
The average distance across rooms in a building, measured from the perimeter inward. -
bridge main span
The greatest horizontal distance in a straight line between consecutive piers of a bridge. -
bridge total span
The entire length along which a bridge deck is separated from the ground, following any bends. -
column grid length (long)
The distance between two column centers along the long side of a rectangle in a regular grid of structural supports. -
column grid length (short)
The distance between two column centers along the short side of a rectangle in a regular grid of structural supports. -
corridor width
The median distance between the walls of a central or main corridor through a building. -
deck width
The narrowest width across a bridge's main transit platform, measured perpendicular to the span. -
elevator travel length (max)
The maximum distance traveled by an elevator in the structure's longest shaft. -
escalator length (max)
The diagonal length of the longest installed escalator belonging to a structure. -
escalator step width
The width across an escalator step, measured perpendicular to its direction of motion. -
leaning overhang distance
The length of ground overhung by a leaning structure, perpendicular to its perimeter at the base. -
length of display windows
The combined length of merchandise display windows facing sidewalks or interior passageways. -
maximum core-to-perimeter distance
The maximum horizontal distance from the outer wall of a building's core to the inner wall of its perimeter. -
maximum floor overhang distance
The maximum distance by which an object extends over unenclosed space beneath it, including floor or roof overhangs. -
maximum roof overhang distance
The maximum extent that the roof of a structure overhangs the unenclosed space below it. -
minimum core-to-perimeter distance
The minimum horizontal distance from the outer wall of a building's core to the inner wall of its perimeter. -
span length
The total length of a bridge platform where it is detached from the ground. -
suspension length
The total deck length supported by cables in a suspension bridge or cable-stayed bridge. -
track length
The length of the longest individual set of rail tracks directly on or within a structure or object.
Related definitions
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angle
Measurements of geometric orientation, alignment, or opening expressed in degrees of arc. -
area
Measurements of bounded two-dimensional space, including cumulative areas across several levels. -
clearance
The free space allowed within a structure or pathway for entry and passage. -
depth
Vertical distances below a structure's base level, measured between specified upper and lower points. -
duration
Measurements of elapsed or expected time between a defined beginning and a defined end. -
elevation
Vertical positions of objects or reference points measured above, below, or at mean sea level. -
energy
Measurements of energy handled by an object and the power at which it is produced or consumed. -
height
Vertical distances above a structure's base level, measured between specified lower and upper points. -
hill size
The size category of a ski jumping hill, measured from the take-off point to the end of the landing area. -
humidity
Measurements of moisture in air or other gases as an absolute quantity or a percentage of saturation. -
mass
Measurements of material quantity, commonly reported as weight in kilograms, pounds, or tons. -
pressure
Measurements of force per unit area, expressed as absolute pressure or a difference from a reference. -
speed
Measurements of motion over time, including distance traveled and rates of repeated rotation or swinging. -
strength
Measurements of the capacity of a built object to withstand various forms of stress. -
temperature
Measurements of how hot or cold an object or space is, including temperature ranges and limits. -
thickness
Measurements of the perpendicular distance between two sides of the same component. -
volume
Measurements of three-dimensional space displaced or enclosed within specified boundaries.